Exploring problems related to the materials planning user environment

This paper explores the existence of various user-environment problems (i.e. problems related to the planning organization, basic planning data, software support, education, and knowledge) and explains the impact of user-environment problems on the perceived planning performance of different materials planning methods (MRP, re-order point, kanban, run-out time, and periodic review methods). It is based on a survey of 153 manufacturing and 53 distributing companies in Sweden. Four distinct clusters of user environments are identified. It is shown how different materials planning methods perform differently in various user environments.